City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. I'll open our meeting here in council chambers at 6 pm. Roll call please. Alder person Murphy present. Mas. Timmyian present. Finch present. McNeel present. Castro present. Schmidt present. Okay. We do have remote electronic attendance. I would like to make a motion to approve the remote electronic attendance of alder person risk at the city council meeting of December 16th, 2025 due to a personal illness or disability. Second motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. Mans. Hi. Simeon. Hi. Finch. I. McNeel. I. Castro. Hi.

All right. Is there public comment? Oh, sorry. Uh, that motion passes. You are welcome to join us. Mr. Ros, thank you. Thank you. Is there public comment this evening? Yes. Wes.

Good evening. My name's Wes. Uh I live here in Molen. I work here in Molen. Um first council meeting I've ever been to.

Um wanted to just I guess bring up a topic that is I guess seasonally talked about or thought about, but um we have neighbors that are living outside. It's very cold. Uh I know there's more of a um concentration of resources in Rock Island and Davenport. And I'd love to see our city contribute and be a part of um that path for folks that are experiencing homelessness to one stay safe, stay alive. It gets pretty cold. We all know that, right? who is outside this weekend. I know I hibernated and didn't want to leave my house. Um, very thankful for uh the roof over my head and I'm thankful for the uh nonprofits that came together and threw an emergency shelter together at the MLK Center um over the weekend, very short notice um and it's one weekend like that's great for the weekend, but what about you know the rest of the cold season? And um homelessness doesn't just kill people when it's zero degrees out. It's demonstrated um that people experience with a history experiencing homelessness um can expect to live significantly shorter lives just because of the chronic stress uh lifestyles, different things like that. But um there's things out there that we need to be doing. Um I made some notes just so I'd set all the things outside. Uh

and I appreciate that and I want to say because I forgot earlier that you get three minutes so I probably took three seconds. Go for it.

You tell me when to stop. I'll probably stop. Um there's changes in how uh the housing and urban development uh department is going to be funding um housing programs and homelessness programs. And unfortunately, it's in my opinion, I work in that field, it's going to be terrible for people experiencing homelessness. It's going to be terrible for folks that are poor. Um it's a shift away from permanent placements and more temporary uh band-aid situations. Uh housing first is a philosophy that is proven. Um it works. It's cost-effective. I always say like if we can't win people over with that uh philosophy with the hearts and minds and the feeloods, it makes fiscal sense to invest in these types of programs. Um I think I know you all partner with Project Now in Rock Island for some um programming. Um they have the exact date uh data, but I think in the last three years homelessness in Rock Island County has uh gone up 40%. Something crazy. Some That's ridiculous. It's it's 2025. We need to be taking care of our neighbors. Um I'd love to see the city do some of that. Madam Mayor, I saw uh you a couple years ago talk about auxiliary dwelling units at the library. Love that strategy, different um strategies to increase affordable housing stock. Um and I know the housing department uh housing authority increased some units recently, but I think it was like 10 units over seven years or something like that. So, just wanted to say all those things out loud, put it in your laps. are the leaders of the city and I think it falls to all of us uh to be responsible for our neighbors and make sure people um get what they need. Housing is a human right. So,

thank you. And normally this is not an exchange period. We listen. Um, but I since it's your first meeting, I hope you stay because there is an item on the agenda related to giving more emergency funding and you'll hear some talk there as well as come on to another listening post this time on Thursday at Molen Center Station. Okay. Also, there's the homeless memorial um for folks that have died uh while experiencing homelessness or with a history of homelessness. Uh it's the national day on the 21st of December every day. It's the longest. Okay. Night of the year, Christian Care in Rock Island and Humility Homes and Services um are both um hosting an event to memorialize those folks that we lost.

Thank you. Any further public comment? Hearing none, we move to our presentation. Recognition of Police Chief Darren G for receiving the law enforcement official of the year award from the Illinois Security Professionals Association. Mr. Vitas, okay, come on up. She rushing out here already, so that's good. I saw you going. You saw me going, so that's great. Put this over here for a minute. All right. First of all, congratulations. Thank you.

Fantastic. Um, so last week, Molen Police Chief Darren G was recognized as the law enforcement official of the year by the Illinois Security Professionals Association at a ceremony in downtown Chicago, which he attended. He was nominated by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, which he is a strong member of in recognition of his leadership and impact at the local, regional, national levels, which of there can be no doubt we know that about our police chief. Chief G has served in law enforcement for more than 28 years and was hired in 2019 as an outside chief to lead the Molain Police Department. Since that time, his leadership has driven a significant cultural transformation within the organization, modernized department operations, and strengthened trust and relationships with the community. Under his tenure, the Mulling Police Department achieved the ILE LEAP accreditation and in early 2025 completed the International Association of Chiefs of Police Trust Building Campaign Pledge. This accomplishment reflects the imple implementation of 25 essential policies and practices across six critical focus areas include including bias-free policing, use of force, leadership and culture, recruitment, retention, victim services, and community relations. Molain proudly is one of only 10 law enforcement agencies nationwide to complete this rigorous program. That speaks volumes to your leadership. In August, Chief G and his team achieved a major investigative milestone by solving a 29-year-old cold case involving the disappearance of Trudy Ampleby, which resulted in the arrest of a suspect. This outcome reflects his commitment to justice, perseverance, and accountability. In the fall, Molen also launched an industryleading new drone as first responder program. City of Molen also adopted the path forward program support individuals in substance abuse recovery

reinforcing his focus on collaborative community-based solutions and that hits that hits home. Chief Gold has also given back extensively to the profession and to the community. He taught navigating the political landscape as a police chief for the FBI National Academy, Associates of Illinois, and launched a second season of the Mullen Police Department podcast which many people love. here locally.

There you go. There you go. Which has become a successful platform for connecting the department with the community it serves. At the statewide level, Chief Gold has served as a subject matter expert on the Community Emergency Services Support Act, delivering presentations across Illinois as new crisis response standards are being implemented. This fall, he led the Illinois Association Chiefs of Police through a strategic planning session to help chart the organization's future. He also led the ILACP public and private partnership committee strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and private sector partners statewide. In addition, he has been instrumental in multiple legislative initiatives partnered on ILCP's rethinking police traffic stops initiative and implemented Molen's purping initiative in July of 2025 this year. This initiative f focuses on traffic safety, violent crime, property crime, and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness, another current topic. Chief G serves on the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Board of Directors as the region 2 vice president at large. He is also the Illinois Representative to the IAP State Association of Chiefs of Police and a member of the IAP Community Policing Committee. His professional credentials include graduation from the FBI National Academy, which is no small feat. Certification as a police chief through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and certification as a sport security professional from the University of Southern Mississippi. He holds a master's degree in organizational leadership, bachelor's degree in business administration. Chief Darren G's career reflects sustained excellence, innovation, service. His leadership has strengthened officers wellness, elevated professional standards, and enhanced public trust in this community. For these reasons, he is highly deserving and is a highly deserving recipient of the Illinois Security Professionals Association Law Enforcement Official of the Year Award.

Please join me in congratulating Chief G. and I'll let you share with thinking your price.

Well, certainly I uh I appreciate it, Bob. Thank you. Thank you very much for the uh recognition uh here at uh council. Just briefly, um, you know, I I would be remiss if I didn't share this award with the city council and and the city administrator and other staff members, my own staff that um have assisted me uh in my time here. Um, I took a leap of faith coming to Molen. Uh, left another agency, came here. It was personal risk. Uh, and uh, I wanted to do something more. I wanted to give back uh more to the community and to the profession and the city of Molen has allowed me to do that. You've given me the resources to do things that you heard uh Bob mention such as launching the drone first responder program. That is a a big financial commitment uh that the city has allowed me to do. Um, so without the funding that the city has provided, I can't uh travel statewide to teach about the emer uh the emergency services supports act or be on IECP committees uh or do these projects that were mentioned. So I just want to thank you as being a great partner, a great employer uh and partners in public safety and to make our community better. So thank you very much. Appreciate it.

Thank you. All right, we'll move to our next item. proclamation to declare January 9, 2026 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. And the Do you have anything you want to say about that?

Happy to share with us with you all. Uh the proclamation reads, "Whereas the Congress and President of the United States have designated January 9, 2026 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. And whereas each day more than one million police officers across our country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations with 90 officers giving their lives in the line of duty last year. A 42% decrease compared to the previous year. And whereas the men and women of the Molen Police Department make difficult decisions every day to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Molen and provide a vital public service. Now therefore, I Sangeita Ray Putty, mayor of Molen, do hereby call upon all citizens of Molen and um to observe January 9, 2026 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Thank you, mayor. I appreciate the recognition for uh the Mullen Police Department employees. As you know, we have what I think is the best police department in the Quad Cities, if not uh the region. We're certainly trying to get nationally to be the best. Uh we think our citizens deserve that. But the standards that we set at the Mullen Police Department are executed every day uh by our police officers with professionalism, teamwork, and integrity. And I think the service that we provide shows that. Um but they're out there every day in sub-zero temperatures looking we did 27 checks over the weekend for people experiencing homelessness at targeted locations. Uh we handle almost 1,800 traffic stops a year. Uh 50 to 60,000 calls a year. So they're very busy, uh very dedicated employees. And so, uh, on behalf of those men and women, we all thank you for the recognition.

Here you go. Thank you. Are there any questions on the agenda? Okay. Hearing none, we'll move to our committee of the whole agenda items. 8.1, a resolution approving change order number one and final with Porter Brothers Construction, Inc. for project number 1478 2025 asphalt maintenance program for the amount of $31,21521. Miss Clower.

Yes. Um staff is asking for approval of this final change order in the amount of $31,21521. Um staff added locations to maximize the amount of construction completed under this program while remaining under the budgeted amount of $350,000. Motion to approve. Second motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. Neil. Hi. Castro.

I. All right. That motion passes. 8.2. An ordinance amending chapter 4 alcoholic liquor of the molen code of ordinances section 4-3104 number of licenses by increasing the number of class B tavern licenses in the city at the request of Jeffrey Close JD Close Entertainment LLC purchaser of the broken saddle saloon 1417th Avenue Molen Bill Madame clerk essentially this is a purchase of the existing um uh business. So, it's not going to actually increase the number of licenses in the city.

Thank you. Motion to approve. Second. All right. Motion by Finch. Seconded by Schmidt. Discussion. Hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. I. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi, Rosak. Hi, Timmyian. Hi, Finch. Hi, McNeel. Hi, Castro. I.

All right, that motion passes. 8.3, an ordinance amending chapter 22, offenses miscellaneous of the mulling code of ordinances, section 22-1105, tobacco products, tobacco accessories, smoking herbs, and alternative nicotine products by increasing the number of class B incidental tobacco dealers licenses in the city of Molen at the request of JD Close Entertainment LLC, DBA, the Broken Saddle Saloon. Mr. Atkins and this is the same purchase of an existing business that we just talked about in the last one. Thank you. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch. Second by Castro. Discussion. Hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosac. Hi.

Timmyian. Hi. Finch. I. McNeel. I. Castro. Hi. All right. That motion passes. 8.4. An ordinance amending chapter 22 offenses miscellaneous of the mulling code of ordinances section 22-1105 tobacco products tobacco accessories smoking herbs and alternative nicotine products by increasing the number of class B incidental tobacco dealers licenses in the city of Molen at the request of central store LLC DBA central store Mr. Atkins.

And with this one, um, they apparently have had a state tobacco license for the entire time that they have been doing business, but we could find no record that they have ever had a city uh, tobacco license. When it came to our attention, um, we contacted them regarding this and they applied. Um the the mayor has already um uh talked with me about taking care of any kind of a violation. That's really not for uh the city council to address, but only for the mayor. Motion to approve. Is there a second?

Second. Second by Castro. Discussion. Mr. Tamian. Two questions. What is a state tobacco license? And and so that's my first question is because why are we even having that conversation? Second is if they've been selling, are we missing out on tax revenue for the last Absolutely. What there's a letter that I'm in the process of approving that communicates what our next steps are. It's it's very much the same as what I do as liquor commissioner with communicating about um any type of violation. So we'll it'll be that will be dealt with in an administrative capacity.

Sure. Could you maybe educate those what is the state license versus um I don't know the details with regards to uh which entity it is at the state level that actually regulates this. Uh but there is just like with liquor licenses there is a state and a local license with regards to tobacco. Okay. So they they so the state with regards to the state requirements but they had not complied with regards to the city for uh something like eight years. I see your hand but this isn't the time for back and forth on that.

I understand and we'll deal with all that in our administrative things. So I appreciate that. I I recognize you but we have to do it in that official manner. Correct. Mr. Atkins. Okay. Um, so the I guess the idea is to just make them able to do what they've been doing and we'll handle the other part of it separately. That's what the goal of this application is. Correct. Yeah. I mean this if if you grant this, it's not changing what they've been doing for the last eight years. It's just making it legal now. It's basically um bringing them into compliance.

Thank you, Miss Castro. Are all um businesses required to get the state license as well? Is that a requirement? The state and the city license or I I'm afraid I I don't have a lot of information with regard to the state license. I I wish I could give you more information about that, but I'm afraid I just don't have it. Okay. Thanks. Thank you. Anything further, Mr. Schmidt? I know in 2023 is when that the cap was established. When were the tobacco licenses as a whole established. Do we know when those are in were in effect? Um when I'm I'm not sure what you're asking. When when tobacco

when the city start issuing tobacco licenses. Well, 2020. Your letter states 2025, January 21.

I I really don't know for sure the answer to your question and I don't want to speculate. I'm sorry. And I get my having some understanding too to look at say if were we issuing tobacco licenses at the time the business came to be is one big qu because while it is the business's responsibility to look at that and while there is the enforcement portion that is obviously handled outside of this setting I am far more comfortable if we look and say like this is an oversight of something that should have been added on versus something in the startup or the that does read it's it's just a little bit different and helps understand that

and I I know when you you passed the regulations regarding the different classifications of licenses which was earlier this year January 21 I believe for what you did prior I I don't know it is my understanding that there was actually uh licensing throughout the entire period the central the city did licensing uh throughout the entire period the central store has been in operation is my understanding. However, I do not have an actual date for you. I can't give you uh verified information. So, I'm reluctant to to give that answer.

What is clear though is that the licensing was handled outside of the administrative wing of the organization. It was handled in finance I believe correct before we realigned everything. Carol. Yes. Okay. Yes. Are you the only business operating like this? I mean, this is kind of I I mean, we don't know what we don't know. I if if there are other businesses that we don't know are operating without a license, then I I wouldn't be able to tell you that there are such businesses. I'm not aware of any.

I would like to encourage the council to remember your job here is not to be punitive. That is the purpose of the administrative hearing if if that is what the evidence reveals. Your purpose is to decide whether to allow a business to continue doing something they're doing having not shown any other problems as a business. As far as I'm concerned, yes, Mr. Timmy,

when we came up with the classifications, I think we all kind of agreed that there would be companies that show up that we didn't realize. And I think this is just an example of that, even though it predates that. We're cleaning up code and by not going through finance and now going through the the liquor commissioner for the the licensing, we are continuing to clean up and for that reason I'm I'm supporting the license just as a as a cleanup measure. Thank you. Is there anything further from the council? Hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. I

Castro I. All right, that motion passes. Uh, seven eyes, one nay. Next item. Next item 8.5, a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a new 5-year ground lease between the city of Molen and the United States Postal Service in which the city of Molen rents parking spaces to the Midtown ramp to in the Midtown ramp to USPS. Mr. Vas.

Yeah. With this, I actually negotiated this to get essentially the the same um conditions that we had with the original lease. It it was a long uh arduous task, but we finally got it done. Thank you. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razach. Hi, Timmyian. Hi, Finch. Hi, McNeel. Hi, Castro. Hi.

That motion passes. 8.6. A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a proposal for professional engineering services with Robinson Engineering literated reel for an amount not to exceed 190,000 for leadwater service line replacement design services and assistance with two Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan applications and authorizing the director of utilities to execute any necessary related documents. Miss Williamson,

good evening. you have before you a request from staff um to have engagement of Robinson Engineering to do civil engineering design for our lead service line replacement. This would be for approximately 7 to 800 locations um is where we're looking. This is actually two different loan applications. So there's some more additional administrative work that would be done with Robinson Engineering and we're asking for this at um a cost of $190,000. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Schmidt. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Older person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosak. Hi. Timmyian.

Hi. Finch. I. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. Motion passes. 8.7. and a resolution in grouping certain contracts for the purchase of treatment chemicals to be used by the utilities department for the calendar year 2026 as tentatively awarded through the B-state regional commission and authorizing the letter of utilities to execute any and all necessary documents for purchase of said treatment chemicals in the quantities needed for calendar year 2026. Miss Williamson, can you have before you a request to um engage these various companies for the necessary chemicals? This is an annual process that we go through. So, we're asking for approval for that as well. Motion to approve.

Second. Thank you, Miss Fitch and Mr. Schmidt. Discussion. Hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi, Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi, Rosac. Hi, Tim. Hi, Finch. Hi, McNeel. Hi, Castro. I motion passes. 8.8, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a notice of intent to award with Miller Trucking and Excavating Company for project 1495 2025 lead service line replacement project in the amount of 3,483,495. Miss Williamson.

Yes, we are here asking that we would issue this notice of intent to Miller Engineering. and it is an additional amount. What we've discovered when we were working with the IEPA for our loan agreement that during the bidding process, we actually had a change in an addendum in some quantities. And although the unit prices remained the same, the quantities did change, which ended up in increasing the the award amount. The good news with that is it's allowing us to take advantage if council is in agreement. It's allowing us to take advantage of approximately I got to get my $696,000 of zero interest loan monies for another 40 years. So it's going to allow us to actually do a few a number of more lead services than we initially anticipated.

Thank you. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch. Seconded by Castro. Discussion. Hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi Murphy. Hi MSAS. Hi Mach. Hi Timmyian. Hi Finch. Hi McNeel. Hi Castro. Hi. That motion passes. 8.

Yep. 8.9. An ordinance authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a fifth amendment to a development agreement for the Quad City's multimmoal station between the city of Molen and Molen Prominade Investors LLC to exe and and to execute any necessary agreements referenced therein and authorizing all appropriate city officers and staff to do all things necessary to complete each of the city's responsibilities pursuant to said agreement. Mr. Vita,

I'm happy to take this one. This goes back. This goes back. Wow. That's terrible. Yeah. This issue goes back to when we sold the parking lot to prominade investors at the corner of Fourth and 12th across from the Element Hotel. So, the language in the agreement, the original condominium agreement going back to the time of construction of that project, um, included rent payments on the parking lot to the city, which we're aware of, of course. So this is actually just cleaning up the language in that agreement so that in the future there's no confusion as as we move forward. Thank you.

All of your commissions uh and uh will help them with efficiency and scheduling and interviewing large pools of candidates. And this really came up because of our continuous testing process that we implemented several years ago, which now uh instead of testing once a year, we are testing and interviewing a lot. Um and that is a big burden to the police and fire commission. So if we're able to do a pre-screening and give them uh some information ahead of time, that will assist in the interviews. Um the the last two areas to draw your attention to I I'll speak on behalf of the fire chief uh fire section uh chapter 6 page 27 uh changing the interview panel specific members that are identified by t title uh to saying command supervisor select by the fire chief or some flexibility there in the panel. and chapter uh 7 page 34 fixing the order of rank in the fire department to reflect the current structure and some of the changes there. So that concludes the substantive changes review. If you have any questions I certainly entertain those.

Is there a motion? Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion Mr. Schmidt.

Thank you honor. Um, one thing caught my eye, and this is going to be more for Bill and Bob, I think, than than for Chief. The looking at the Open Meetings Act section, we're adding the portion that says remote electronic attendance is available no more than four times for an individual in a year. So, I went and I was looking and that is a there is no state law, but we are allowed to add in our own requirements. Is that something that's applied across our different commissions or is that just kind of only in place here? Do we know?

I I'm afraid I don't know. Uh, Chief, do you know the answer to that? Uh, across all the Is that what you're saying? All the commissions or just Say that again. Can you Yeah. Yes, if it's being used in the library board and I can't speak to we'd have to survey them because some of them have their own bylaws as well. The plan commission for example does have standards in terms of the number of absences like the city council and and like the board of police and fire commissioners.

I can tell you there's a a unique situation with the fire with the uh the police and fire commission is there's only three members. So to even have remote attendance there has to be one person physically present or no I'm sorry has to be a quorum physically present right so it has to be two people physically present so really all it does is allow that one person if they're traveling um so and so we have Karen Dstrom Jeff Nelson and Tilford Flowers are the current commissioners and um Jeff just retired as you know but two of them still are are traveling quite a bit so it does aid their ability to do Mr. Schmidt,

I I guess my my question becomes what is the benefit and the justification for adding in that requirement and part of and I think I would approach that on a commission by commission basis whether I would approve it. I'd be very much opposed to applying it universally because some commissions I think you can make that argument. It's important and I'm so I'm curious to hear if we feel that's the case here. Um when I was serving as leazison to the library board, there was a member who mostly could only attend due to her work schedule if she was attending remotely.

And there are of course downsides and disadvantages to that, but that cuts out a lot of people from being able to participate in the city process. And um well, I think we I mean certainly they need to be able to attend, but if it's for work or for those valid reasons, I think we need to have a good reason to say no, you can't do that all the time. That's where I'm coming from and why I'm asking.

I one one thing with regards to the police and fire commission, they meet much more often than the other uh committees and commissions and they they actually do a lot more um close session meetings as well. And so it it's it's probably I would say more necessary for them to be able uh to have meetings where they're able to attend without uh actually physically being present than with the others because there tends to be a a um an urgency to the the things that they are are addressing uh more so than with like say the library How often are they meeting?

I'm sorry. How often are they meeting the police and fire commission?

Uh we are So I I'll tell you the other problem with the police and fire commission for the the members that are on there. Sometimes they're all day meetings. Uh so for example, police and fire interviews uh I know from the fire department many times yours are two days so 16 hours. Uh the police department interviews are almost always four to eight hours. Um promotional interviews, depending on the number of promotions for the police, uh are Leah, would you say four hours at minimum? Fire is longer. Very long, I think. So I don't have a number for you, but I mean I my I'm going to throw out there 20 times a year the police fire commission meets.

It's a lot. There's a significant time commitment on a part of this. I would I would add to that actually you have the 12 meetings a year. I think you've held between promotions and new hires at least eight sets of of interview. So there's your 20 there just require double that. So and and as chief uh record sometimes they're eight hours. We we had interviews for new hires I think four straight days at eight hours. They given up almost a week of their their life. Any other questions? Mr. Schmidt.

Just to to close my thought in this case, I think knowing what the meetings and the purpose in those pieces are keeping in person as a heavier requirement does I think make sense. Um though I would consider myself generally hostile to that type of language related to other commissions. Um but yet yes I I I appreciate that and think that it in the hiring process that's pretty important in person as much as you can be.

Yeah it's really hard to do promotions and hiring and without person. So pretty much those are really only for other decision made you know like this we've I I know like we have reviewed revisions because we want all the commissioners to be involved in reviewing those. So if somebody's traveling that's a business meeting that could be taken care of. Thank you. Anything further from the council hearing none. Roll call please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. Mas. Did you say I'm sorry. Hi. Rosak. Hi. Timmyian. I Bench. I McNeel. I Castro. Hi.

All right, that motion passes. 8.13. A resolution approving the use of council contingency funds for the amount of $25,000 to provide emergency winter supplemental services to unhoused residents and authorizing the community and economic development department staff to do any and all things necessary to use said funds to implement the necessary services to respond to urgent health and safety needs of unhoused residents. Mr. Vitas.

Well, we're more than uh more than happy to recommend approval of the use of the contingency funds from the 2025 city council budget and to also carry those funds over into fiscal 26 as I don't anticipate between now and the end of the year that we would expend or exhaust $25,000. It's a significant sum. Um, today we sent $2,000 uh to uh the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Rock Island, similar to what uh the city of East Molen had done to support their ongoing efforts as it relates to uh sheltering the unsheltered during extreme weather conditions. So, we're recommending approval of the the use of the funds for this purpose through the as administered by the community econom community and economic development department.

Thank you. To approve second motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Uh, did the sponsors of this item want to speak? Miss Castro.

Um, thank you, your honor. Um, I appreciate um the staff's um recommendation for approval. I I think I just wanted to acknowledge that I know that this is not a huge amount, but it's enough to get us started and actually just open up the conversation on ways that we can um help um the unhoused um community members. um we tried to make it, you know, to provide some different um ideas about like the supplemental social services, but also making it open enough to where staff can do what they feel um is important and have the funds available at the time that they need them. Um I just hope that I mean there is so much more that we can that we can do. This is just to get us started and I'm just hoping that we can continue having conversations about the possibility of opening up a permanent shelter or an emergency winter shelter um in the coming year.

Mr. McNeel. Yeah, I think the most important things to repeat there are um this funding is not a path to a complete solution, but it does provide the flexible funding that uh I we think staff needs at this time. And I know staff has been working daily to find pathways to support our unsheltered and uh we're looking forward to um you know each day bringing new ideas to um help our unsheltered. I looking forward to uh mayor's listening session um this coming Thursday so we can hear from our residents um as well. So

thank you Mr. Tim.

Thank you your honor. I I've been I've been public about this in the past, but one of the reasons I got involved in the city and in politics in general was that my oldest child uh suffered from suffers from uh mental health issues. And one thing I learned navigating that system as a parent is that there is a need for acute treatment and then long-term treatment. And they're very, very different. and having that in my case it was a psychiatric hospital or or an emergency room that was available for the uh suicidal thoughts or the the violence or whatever it is that is one necessary thing and then there's the wraparound services that follow whether it is psychiatrists and therapists and resource officers and specialized schools and medication and and the never ending litany of of of treatment options that we So, I use that as an example for what we're talking about now. Um, the unhoused and the homelessness requires acute treatment and that's what we're talking about tonight for specifically this month or maybe the next. And I urge and I'm proud of us for funding something and and really moving forward. Is it enough? No. Is it fast enough? No. It's it's something. But I urge the staff and this council to continue thinking about what are the follow-up responses. What is the long-term treatment? And it is a huge problem that we can't solve, but we can make a dent locally. And so I I want to thank uh older persons Castro and McNeel for getting started on this and the staff for all the work that's been going on because problems like this require our acute response and the long-term

response and we're never going to do enough. But man, we we're we got to get caught trying and I think that's what we're doing. Thank you.

Thank you. I I will add um the staff has been working on this for quite some time, although sometimes in fits and starts. We started last winter um talking with our nonprofit partners. I'll go into a little bit more of that review on Thursday night for the community, but and I know I have written to all of y'all on some updates on things. There's been a lot of good conversation. In fact, um we offered up our gymnasium. Um but they, you know, um Project Now already had a solution in place for this past weekend. Um but in any case, there's been a lot of really good conversation and some of the things that were stumbling blocks over the last several months. For example, I think I shared with you all that I was really hoping faith leaders would step up and offer some of their empty spaces, right? or do social justice initiatives through through their congregations that address some of these issues. Um wasn't getting anywhere there. Lo and behold, an organized group of individuals have come forward um and are really receptive and and quite um knowledgeable. I know Miss Whitley had a great conversation with their representative um this past week and I had a great conversation with him last week. Um, and there's a renewed effort, I think, to um, gather those folks together and have a real serious conversation about really what's realistic that they can do on their end in terms of solutions. So, I'm working with Ashley to plan a faith leaders summit in January at Trinity Lutheran Church. Um, because I think that conversation needs to happen, right? Right. And along those lines, um I'm not sure if I told y'all, but Bob Vas and I had talked quite a bit about doing a faith audit. It's something I learned about at Mayor's Innovation Project.

There's an organization called Nabus that will go in sort of on the back end and scour the web and u try to figure out like what churches are doing what, right? So that you're not doubling up on programs being provided. So that the money is used efficiently and say, you know, a a a free meal site is happening on this night and then on a different night at a different institution um rather than the same night, right? You get what I'm saying? Uh but that was a little bit too much money and we thought we could probably do something with this in-person conversation with faith leaders in the area. So, I just want you to know that's that's another piece of it that I I will agree and I think has been part of the conversation the long-term and the immediate need are part of every conversation I think that that we've been having. Um, and so I didn't know if you all wanted to say anything more about that that have been engaged in those conversations. No, we're good. It'll there's going to be more talk, but I think it's a Um, thank you for pushing us forward a little bit more with one side of it or one one lane as I was calling it. Um, and just as a reminder, I went back to some of those notes from the past couple of months and we had been talking about different lanes, right? The long-term and the short-term solutions. Um, and so I think we'll just continue marching down those as as best we can.

Sure.

Okay. Yes, Mr. Schmidt. Thank you for for pushing us forward as we look at what we have been doing and and I think a lot of the council's attention has been on those bigger longer term projects and things where you can go to try and address those root causes which is really important. Um I certainly feel like I had not pushed enough on saying hey we need to also do those more immediate needs and um even as others have just you know and adding to our voices together into that because that that is an immediate need it's it's come into um sharper focus right with it with an earlier onset in the winter and the really severe cold and um I think as we continue to do this we don't want to take on a lot of that direct service provider role we have to find the parters and push things through and as much as possible that this comes back to trying to you know it's a regional problem that has to be addressed in some way with a regional regional solutions but um I just I I have the worry and the concern or and the conviction that if if our regional partners and especially other cities put up challenges we need to be willing and ready to step up and um you know because for us to even make it right for our Molen residents does that mean we're going to help people from other places. Yeah,

it probably does. Um, but I think we're also in that place where we can make those decisions and do it smart and do it well and and obviously stay focused where we can, but don't be afraid that we might help somebody from somewhere else a little bit uh when we're just trying to help people. So, just sort of my thinking as we we move forward. Miss Castro, um, he had his hand up first.

Sorry, Mr. Well, and pretty much I was going to say the same thing. we really have focused on those root causes and doing programs that help prevent homelessness, but in turn like we do still need to have the reactive uh response, right? Um in these cases. Uh but yes, uh there are people and organizations that are know this area way better than our staff, than ourselves here, and those are the people that are going to help us uh really solve this. And just in general, this is an issue that's not unique to one of the Quad cities. This is all over the country. This is happening large cities and as cities and municipalities grow, you're going to see more and more of this. And um and obviously there's other causes like substance abuse, mental illness, disabilities, all these things. So it's a very complex issue. We are not going to be able to do it on our own. Uh but we have been working uh on addressing issues before they people become homeless. Um and I'm proud that we've been doing that, but uh yes, we're we're only going to be able to do it with other partners. Uh because we can't be everything to everybody. We do need other people with their expertise on this.

Okay. Do you want to talk about the regional conversation that's been the regional conversation?

Well, it's been kic restarted. I think I think it's kicking off again. I I think that you know I hadn't heard anything for some time from one of our neighboring cities and you know they seem to have jumped into a conversation with Humility Homes that today which was good to see. Um, that's a plus. You know, I think between, you know, all of the cities here and and the severity of this winter and its early onset, I think it just exasperates the entire issue for everyone. So, I think everybody is, you know, looking forward to I think Humility Homes is planning a summit I believe in January if I'm not mistaken, but I can get that information for you. Um and we want to have this dialogue of course with the other the other cities and the counties. I think the mayor has reached out Yeah. you know to uh county board chairman Mr. Brunk um because they have been involved in the past along with Scott County. So the big seven as they like to refer to themselves as um were at the table two years ago and then last year with the you know closure of the winter shelter by humility and a mild winter it kind of just fell fell away. So now everybody's kind of getting back to the table. And I think um you know I think we're looking for a more you know you have the immediate needs and then you have a more permanent need. And I think that's that's where we're at is defining what is that immediate need that needs to be addressed. Whether it's you know cooling shelters in the summer or whether it's you know warm shelters in the winter you know it's year round. It's not just seasonal. is a year- round problem, you know, or issue, not a problem, but an issue to face. And then then there's the per the more permanent solution and looking for our our community partners, whether it's Project Now or Humility, you know, or Third Place. There's a whole bunch of different organizations that will be

engaged in some type of a conversation that will lead hopefully to a more permanent solution for for the unsheltered in the Quad Cities as a whole and here in Molen as well. So, thank you. All right. If there's nothing further in, excuse me, roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi, MSAS. Hi, Rosac. Hi, Tim. Hi, Finch. Hi, McNeel. I Castro I that motion passes. All right, we move to ourformational I74 riverfront reimagined Brownfield redevelopment project. Miss Temple.

Good evening everyone. Um yeah, if if you're staff here, you hear a lot of discussions on two things right now, housing and the riverfront. Um, and there's been a lot of um, behind the-scenes pre-development work happening in the past six months um, since you guys have approved that vision plan for the riverfront. And I'm here to just let you guys know that we are intending to apply for an EPA uh, brownfields grant, multi-purpose grant uh, to support environmental assessments, actual cleanup on the site, and community engagement. Um, phase one environmental reports have confirmed that this site has environmental concerns, which I'm sure is not a surprise to anyone. Um, that need to be addressed before redevelopment can proceed. We also have a phase 2 assessment underway, which will be will be completed before EPA award announcements later next summer. Uh we've engaged Terracon as subject matter experts and having legacy experience on this site uh to assist with the grant application. Uh we will be requesting the maximum of $1 million and there is no match requirement for this grant uh hence not needing your approval. Um the application is due January 28th and if awarded, cleanup and remediation activities would proceed based on the phase one and phase 2 findings. Um like I said, this is justformational. No formal action is needed at this time. Um but your support is appreciated as it does demonstrate the city's commitment to addressing environmental concerns and advancing our riverfront development goals.

Thank you all. Any questions? Anything from council? Yes, Mr. Timmy. Um, in my in my history uh studies, I found an old postcard uh showing this area. And some of the buildings that have gotten a facelift are the exact same buildings from before I74 existed. Um, these buildings are old. They were industrial. There was a train track that ran right through there that had all sorts of untold environmental, you know, off offshoots. So, like this is no shock

and I'm I'm just I'm surprised it's been used for anything in in the meantime. So, like and I remember when we interviewed Bob, he talked about y needing like the environmental impact of this project was going to be massive and this is just a great legacy to leave future generations to clean up. Yeah. The phase one um sandbboard maps go back to uh 1885. So um there was originally well not originally but from when the earliest maps are available was a lumber yard originally um right along the shore there. So it's pretty interesting read 700 pages but thank you all.

Thank you very much. All right that closes out our cow meeting. We'll bring the regular council meeting to order. Pledge of Allegiance, please. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Do you have an invocation, Alder person? Nope. All right. Roll call, please. Older person Murphy present. MSAS present. Razak.

Thank you. Timmyian Finch present. McNeel present. Castro present. Schmidt present. Strains. Do we need to approve the remote electronic attendance again? I'm sorry. Do we need to approve the remote electronic attendance again? Yeah, you've already approved that. All right. All right. Is there public comment chief for the second meeting? Okay. Um, consent agenda. Your honor, I request the approval of committee the whole and council meeting minutes of December 2nd, 2025 and consent agenda items 18.1 through 18.4 inclusively. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. I. Murphy. I. MSAS.

Hi. Rosak. I. Timian. Hi. Finch. I McNeel I. Castro I. Eight eyes, no nays. That motion carries. Non-consent agenda. Second reading ordinances. Your honor, a point of order. I'm sorry if I had misheard, but I did not hear the second reading ordinances addressed in when the clerk read the consent agenda items. And I might have just missed it. The River's Edge redevelopment. I have 18.1 through 18.4. We have a 17.1. Okay. Can I just restate that 17.1? I think we just Or do I just make a motion? Just make a motion. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. If if it hadn't been read.

Yeah. And I really don't want somebody coming back and invalidating this. So yeah, we we've got to make sure that we actually vote on each of the items. We we have one coming back today because we had an issue with an attachment not being on it. So uh that would be the way to address it. Okay. May I make a motion to approve a second reading on item 17.1? Second. Motion by Schmidt, seconded by Finch. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Your honor, we have to call for discussion. No, it's consent agenda. I did not make a motion as a consent agenda item. Correct. You're probably right, but

Okay. Is there discussion? Hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi Murphy. Hi MSAS. Hi Rosak. Hi Timian. Hi Finch. Hi McNeel. Hi Castro. Hi. Thank you for catching that. Appreciate that. Okay. Item number 20.1, an ordinance amending chapter 22, offenses miscellaneous of the Mulling Code of Ordinances, section 22-1105, tobacco products, tobacco accessories, smoking herbs, and alternative nicotine products by increasing the number of class B incident incidental tobacco dealers licenses in the city of Molen at the request of Aman Food and Gas, Inc. DBA Aman Food and Gas.

Motion to approve. Second. Motion by seconded by Finch. discussion hearing. Yes, Mr. Tim. This is I mean this is right next door to the central store. If we're concerned about density of uh facilities just just uh just keep it in your mind. That's all. I'll I'll remind you though this is a store that has nothing it can offer like it can't it does not have a liquor license. Correct. Correct. Correct. It cannot have one. Uh so this is the only license they're applying for. Thank you. Was there another hand, Mr. MS?

And and they are going to start selling uh gasoline, right? That is the plan. That is in the business plan. Yeah. So to me, that's the biggest thing having a gas station right there. Gas. Thank you. Anything further from the council? Hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi Razak. Hi Timmyian. Nay Finch. Hi McNeel. Nay Castro. Hi.

Six eyes's two nays. That motion carries. Non-consent agenda resolutions. Item number 21.1. A resolution setting the annual meeting schedule for 2026 and authorizing city staff to do all things necessary to notify the media of the 2026 annual meetings schedule. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Res. I. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro. I.

Eight eyes. No. That motion carries. Item number 21.2. A resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a lease agreement with Friends of Riverside Park Gardens, Inc. for the purpose of maintaining and beautifying the River Park Gardens for a term of one year with the option of up to four one-year extensions commencing January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 and authorizing city staff to do any and all things necessary to fulfill the terms of the agreement. Motion to approve. Second motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. I. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro.

I. Eight eyes, no nays. That motion carries. Item number 21.3, a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a Riverside complex lease with Mullen Little League, an Illinois not for-p profofit corporation for the purpose of maintaining and hosting sanctioned Little League games and tournaments for a lease term of 5 years commencing on January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030 and authorizing city staff to do any and all things necessary to fulfill the terms of the lease. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosac. I. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. I. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi.

Eight eyes. No. Nays. That motion carries. Item number 21.4. Resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a lease agreement with QC Elite Soccer Club to lease the 48th Street Field at Green Valley Park for the purpose of operating a soccer league for a 5-year lease commencing on January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030 and authorizing city staff to do any and all things necessary to fulfill the terms of the agreement. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi Murphy. Hi MSAS. Hi Ros. Hi Timian. Hi Finch. Hi McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi.

Eight eyes. No nays. That motion carries. Item number 21.5, a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a Stevens Park T-ball field lease with Million Little League softball and Illinois not for-profit corporation for the purpose of maintaining and hosting sanctioned Little League softball games and tournaments for a lease term of 5 years commencing January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Older person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosak. I Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi.

Eight eyes. No. Nace. That motion carries. Item number 21.6 6. A resolution authorizing the city administrator to modify the non-union employee group benefit package effective January 1, 2026 to incorporate the changes as set forth on exhibit A attached here too and incorporated herein by reference relating to the wages and health insurance premiums and authorizing the city administrator and staff to do any and all things necessary to implement said changes. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro.

Hi. Eight eyes. No names. That motion carries. Item number 21.7, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a notice of intent to award with Miller Trucking and Excavating Company for project number 149 1495 2025 lead service line replacement project for the amount of 3,483,495. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosac. I. Timmyian I Finch I McNeel I Castro I

eight Eight eyes I's nos that motion carries item number 21.8 a resolution authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a contract with JC Dylan Inc. for project number 1532 2026 on call waterline service replacement program for the amount of $51,840 and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute and attest to a contract with Houpman Trucking and Excavating Inc. for project number 1532 2026 on call water service line replacement program for the amount of $561,720. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch. Seconded by Castro. Discussion. Hearing none. Roll call please. Alder person Schmidt. I. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. I. Timmyian. Hi. Finch.

Hi. McN. Hi. Castro. Hi. Eight eyes. No nays. That motion carries. Item number 21.9. A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a proposal for professional engineering services with Robinson Engineering Limited for an amount not to exceed $190,000 for leadwater service line replacement design services and assistance with two Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan applications and authorizing the director of utilities to execute any necessary related documents. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro.

Hi. Eight eyes. No names. That motion carries. Item number 21.10. A resolution approving the use of council contingency funds for the amount of $25,000 to provide emergency winter supplemental services to unhoused residents and authorizing the community and economic development department staff to do any and all things necessary to use said funds to implement the necessary services to respond to urgent health and safety needs of unhoused residents. Motion to approve. Second. Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. I. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi.

Eight eyes. No nays. That motion carries. Non-consent agenda. First reading ordinances. Item number 22.1 an ordinance amending chapter 25 planning and development of the mulling code of ordinances. Section 25-21000. Official comprehensive plan adopted. territorial application by enacting there too an amendment to the comprehensive plan appendix O entitled airport south district development plan land use and development framework future land use map incorporated therein as section 5 pages 8 through9 southwest corner of 78th Avenue and 72nd Street to the northwest corner of 100th Avenue and 72nd Street motion to advance the second reading second

motion by Finch second by Castro discussion hearing none Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Rosac. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Bench. Hi. McNail. Hi. Castro. Hi. Eight eyes. No naysay. Motion to advance to second reading carries. Item number 22.2 two, an ordinance amending chapter 35, zoning and land development of the Mulling code of ordinances by enacting an amendment to the zoning map incorporated therein as section 35-3103 map of standard zoning districts west side of 72nd Street between 78th Avenue and 100th Avenue with no assigned street addresses. Motion to advance the second reading. Second.

Motion by Finch, seconded by Castro. Discussion hearing none. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt, I. Murphy, I. MSAS. Hi, Rosak. I Timian. Hi, Bench. I McNeel, I Castro, I. Eight eyes, no nays. Motion to advance to second reading carries. And that's all I have this evening, your honor.

Thank you. We move to miscellaneous business. Uh perhaps you've seen that I had an early morning drive down into Chicago for along with several others from the Quad Cities uh who've been advocates for passenger rail. We were there at Union Station for the um governor's signing of the transportation bill which includes funding for our passenger rail. Um so there's still a lot of work to do but this is a moment worth marking and so I felt privileged to be there. Came back for the PAR um uh ribbon cutting PAR instruments. Happy to see the response there. Looks really good. Um and there's just more to come this week. I I we I think you sent out the

the agenda for Thursday's listening post. We did turn it into a special meeting so that you all could be there and you could all speak if you wanted to. Um so if you can make it, that's great. Miss Murphy, I want to thank the staff and the council for productive 2025 since this is our last meeting of the year. And I also want to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, same thing. just uh happy holidays to everybody and thank you for everything you do to keep our city running and just pushing us forward. Thank you. Is this is this like the fourth year you've worn the sweater? Yes, this particular meeting the last meeting before Christmas. I bring it up. There you go.

Thank you, Mr. MSU. Mr. Rosak, anything? Uh thank you, honor. Thank you everybody. It was a wonderful year for us with a lot of achievement and a lot more coming. And once again, thank you for your active participation for uh for railroad and other things. Thanks to staffs. Happy holidays to everybody. Thank you, Mr. Tim.

Thank you, your honor. We're in the the mood of thanks uh right now. I I I specifically want to thank the staff for how quickly they react to crisis. And I'm thinking of the water main break on the Avenue of the Cities and 41st Street. That impacts a lot of people. I'm thinking of the uh the crews plowing and and being very reactive. And uh the police uh we had an incident at the school in my neighborhood where a uh a parent was very upset and it it triggered a a response and the police were very responsive and in a way that did not uh scare the kids and and it was it was a end result. It was very good and there was an abundance of caution uh exhibited and and I think it was just a an example of a professional staff who can react to uh situations quickly. So want to thank him for that and uh all the staff just keep up the good work. We see it.

Thank you Miss Finch. Um no thank you. Um keeping with the theme of gratitude um it was a great day in the sixth ward as the mayor said uh opening of PAR ribbon cutting for PAR instruments. So, I just want to thank the staff for the years of hard work that went into that project. Bob, Chris, Matias, uh, everybody that worked on that project. Um, it's beautiful and wonderful addition and expansion. I would say it was a full staff push and there are people, directors and all of their subordinates that probably played a role in it at some point. So, thank you for that.

Thank you all, Miss Castro. I feel like a broken record, but again, you know, thank you for everything. I think um this past week, we probably bugged um CED and Bob a lot. And um we appreciate um your responses and chief as well. Um always, you know, whenever we email or have questions, always, you know, responding and just getting um what we need to get done. So, thank you to everyone and um happy holidays. Mr. No staff. Huh? My turn. Okay, Mr.

Thank you for the thank yous. How's that? Um, on behalf of all 425 of us, it's a great team. I think you should be proud of them. I know I am. Uh, I never question in my mind daily what's going on. If something bad happens, we're on it. But reality is is very little bad ever happens. and you've got a great team and uh I think delivering great results to the residents in town. I think they're very responsive and uh it goes beyond just the big programs and the heavy lifts that we're doing, but even sometimes just the soft touch that we have with residents that goes unseen, unnoticed, unstated. I mean, that's what goes on every day. And uh you know, hats off to the staff. So, big thank you to the staff from my office and on behalf of the council and the mayor. Um, we did have the PAR uh event today which culminated in Jim's case probably 10 years of trying to do something on that site. Um, at least five or six years of the staff trying to make something happen out there. Um, probably one of the more wonderful projects I've seen in a long time. And to be really honest, uh, landing an industrial project in today's day and age is very difficult. Very difficult. You don't see a lot of that going on. A lot of warehouses and distribution centers, call centers, but actual manufacturing. Just really kudos to PAR instrument, their board of directors for, you know, giving Jim the authority to go forward and believing in Molen and staying in Molen. Um, that's the most important part of it. Second most important is in your award dance. That's right. Kudos to you guys down there. Uh, bright. It's a bright addition literally when you drive past it.

Beautiful building.

Um, it's very, very bright. And, um, and we're looking forward to that being the catalyst, you know, for convincing others to either stay in the city and continuing to be a part of Molen or attracting them to Molen. And those are the kinds of examples that will actually score the points you want uh whether in in the tiff or anywhere else in the city. Um I did want to uh bring up uh one more thing and that was the uh this weekend uh I want kudos to Chris, his team, to KJ. Where did she go? She's not here to get kudos. Too bad. Uh I'll shake her hand later. um and everyone who showed up uh at the city service center. It's probably one of the worst weather days I've seen here in the last two years, you know, next to the day that Denver started almost, right?

Yeah. We all remember Denver's snowy start. You know, God gave him an off year last year. Now he's hitting him again.

Um but we had really a great event down there. You know, I spent the day down there with them, you know, working it alongside them. uh Chris Manning one door uh calling out numbers getting people through the door. You know, it was it was a very u very heartwarming experience to see how many people showed up. The gym was full. Absolutely full. People sitting on floors, up against walls, on benches, bringing their own chairs, the elderly. Um uh I think there was 174 food uh gift certificates that were distributed to, you know, those who showed up. We had about 211 people come through the door. Not everybody stayed because it just took so long. Some people just had to go to work and they had to leave. Um but we learned a lot from that experience that the need is ever present. um you could never do enough and uh everybody was grateful. Everybody was grateful to get something. So uh again, thanks to the city council for supporting the additional $35,000 uh food giveaway program to the people in greatest need. And um as we said, merry Christmas to each and every one of them as they left the door. We heard that back. Everybody was thrilled. Um, one last thing I will bring up is the uh, Bill Atkins. Um, yeah, Bill, even even I get letters about your activities.

Yeah. Yeah. So, the Illinois Municipal League is uh has accepted Bill's appointment to serve on the Illinois Municipal League's home rule attorneys committee, which has some time commitments to it, which is great. And you must attend the conference. It's it's here. I read it. So, it'll be in your performance requirements. But, no, really excited that that you're getting engaged with the league and uh putting Molen out there, you know, so that they don't ever forget who we are because we are number one, as Chief G will tell you, we are number one and growing every day. So, that's all that's all I have. Happy holidays to everybody. God bless.

Thank you. Any public comment this evening? Hearing none, I believe we have executive session. Your honor, I make a motion that the council convene an executive session for the purpose of discussion of property acquisition- five CS120 C5 price sittings for sale or lease of real property-l. ILCS120C6.

All right, that's Murphy and Timmyian. Roll call, please. Alder person Schmidt. Hi. Murphy. Hi. MSAS. Hi. Razak. Hi. Timmyian. Hi. Finch. Hi. McNeel. Hi. Castro. Hi. Eyes. No. That motion carries.